Introduction to Biotechnology
Biotechnology, sometimes referred to as biosciences, provides students with the skills needed to succeed in the area of controlled and deliberate manipulation of biological systems for the manufacture of products such as antibiotics, industrial chemicals and genetically modified crops. In the UK, Biotechnology provides a firm basis for pursuing a career in any aspect of science.
Biotechnology modules can include biotechnology and management, environmental biotechnology, food biotechnology, pharmaceutical science, biological chemistry, drug discovery, molecular biology, cell biology, proteins and enzymes, genes and genomics, protein structure and function, immunology and biochemical and chemical engineering. Many Biotechnology courses offer sandwich placements in the industry, with world leaders such Astrazeneca, Avecia, Glaxosmithkline, Unilever and Syngenta all maintaining close links with universities in the UK.
Graduate Biotechnology Careers
Biotechnology graduates will find roles in the areas of molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, drug discovery, immunology and other sciences. Careers also exist in quality assurance, medicine and food production.
What do Biotechnology Graduates earn?
- Average starting professional salary: £20,000
- Average starting non-professional salary: £15,542
Source: The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.
Biotechnology UK Entry Requirements
Biotechnology applicants must have studied chemistry, plus one other science subject (although not mandatory at all universities) alongside maths. An ideal combination would be chemistry and two further science subjects.
- Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 32-35 points.
- Typical A-levels requirements: ABB including science subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics or maths.
- Typical IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component.
Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.
Where can I study Biotechnology in the UK?
To learn more about the best Biotechnology courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Biosciences universities in the Guardian University Guide 2020 below:
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- University of Portsmouth
- Lancaster University
- University of Warwick
- University of St Andrews
- Ulster University
- Imperial College London
- University of Surrey
- University of Birmingham
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Study Biotechnology in the UK
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